Spain Weather: Atlantic Storms Bring Rain, Snow & Wind in February
Spain is bracing for a week of unsettled weather as multiple Atlantic storms are set to bring widespread rainfall, strong winds, and significant snowfall to mountainous regions. The Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet) has issued warnings for much of the country, anticipating a shift from a relatively stable weekend.
Storms Approach the Iberian Peninsula
Beginning Monday, February 2nd, a front linked to an Atlantic storm will move inland from Galicia, spreading cloud cover and generalized precipitation across much of the Iberian Peninsula. The northwestern regions, the southern Meseta, Andalusia, and the Pyrenees are expected to be particularly affected. Alongside the rain, intense wind gusts and rough seas are also forecast, triggering yellow and orange alerts in numerous locations.
Temperatures are generally expected to remain above average for this time of year across most of Spain, though weak frosts are still possible in parts of the northwest and the Sistema Central. Snowfall is anticipated in the northern half of the peninsula, becoming more widespread starting Tuesday.
Impacts and Regional Variations
The western peninsula will experience the most intense precipitation, with the western reaches of Galicia and mountainous areas of the southern Meseta, Andalusia, and the Pyrenees expected to see the most persistent rainfall, potentially accompanied by thunderstorms and hail. Communities including Galicia, Castilla y León, Andalusia, Extremadura, and Castilla-La Mancha are predicted to be most impacted by this Atlantic circulation.
Eastern Spain, particularly the Mediterranean coast, is expected to see more isolated rainfall due to westerly winds. The Canary Islands are currently expected to remain largely unaffected by this weather system, continuing a trend of drier conditions in recent weeks.
Beyond the rainfall, strong winds and high waves are expected, particularly along the western peninsula, including the Gulf of Cádiz and the Guadalquivir valley, as well as the Cantabrian coast and parts of the Mediterranean coastline. Moderate winds are anticipated elsewhere, except in the northeastern peninsula where they will be less intense.
Snowfall and Avalanche Risk
The week will begin with relatively mild temperatures, but a general cooling trend is expected to begin Tuesday, February 3rd, across the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. This cooling will bring new frosts to parts of the north and southwest. Snowfall is forecast for the northern and southeastern mountain ranges above 1,600 metres on Monday, with the snow line dropping to 1,000 metres by the end of the day.
On Tuesday, the snow line could descend to between 900-1,000 metres in the same areas, before rising again to 1,500 metres later in the week. Significant accumulations are possible in the mountains of the north, as well as the Central and Iberian systems. The combination of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and accumulating snow is expected to increase the risk of avalanches in the Pyrenees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas will experience the most rainfall?
The western peninsula, particularly the western reaches of Galicia and mountainous areas of the southern Meseta, Andalusia, and the Pyrenees, are expected to receive the most persistent and heaviest rainfall.
Will temperatures be unusually cold?
Temperatures are generally expected to be above average for this time of year across most of Spain, although frosts are still possible in some areas, and a cooling trend is expected to begin on Tuesday.
What is the risk of avalanches?
The risk of avalanches is expected to increase in the Pyrenees due to the combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds.
As the week progresses, will the conditions worsen or improve? conditions could intensify with further storm systems, or moderate as the initial storms move through. Continued monitoring of forecasts from Aemet will be crucial for staying informed.